5. The Holy Spirit

 We are now going to take a look at a clip from the movie Father Damien of Molokai.   Leperocy is a contagious skin disease.  The disease first is seen as lesions on the fingers and toes, then spreads up the limbs.  It is painful, and it was at the time a death sentence for you were sure to die from the disease. Those with the disease were cast out of society.  They were known as the "untouchables".   Fr. Damien was sent  to work with the leper community that were banished to the Hawaiian Island of  Moloki. Over 8,000 people were sent to the Kalaupapa peninsula from 1866 to 1969.  Father Damien was the first to volunteer in 1873.  He built a church, a hospital, and coffins...thousands of coffins.    Father Damien died of leprosy April 15, 1889, at the age of 49.

Where did Fr. Damien get the strength and courage to live among the lepers and love them?

God's Fingerprint dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to use our gifts in a way that leaves God's fingerprint in the world through our actions. We, too, can touch others and make a difference in their lives.

As you watch this, notice what the Bishop says to Fr. Damien. How will Fr. Damien respond?

 

In case the above video doesn't work, this is the same video just processed in a different format:

Post view:     How did the little boy feel after Fr. Damien touched him?  Was he healed?  How was he “spiritually healed”?
Who are the untouchables of today?  How can you “touch” them, physically, emotionally, or spiritually? 
Post your reflections below.
Remember to post one original statement for each of the questions and respond twice.